A WOMAN was hospitalised after sitting on a bench from which a kitchen knife had been left protruding in Winsford.

The incident, which police have described as ‘disturbing’, occurred on Tuesday, July 1.

The serrated blade was wedged between slats on one of the metal benches in the children’s play area at the Knights Grange Golf Club, off Grange Lane.

The 49-year-old local woman was left with a puncture wound to one of her legs and taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers are appealing to the Winsford community to come forward with information on who is behind the placement of the knife.

Knights Grange is a well-used play area – particularly during summer – and the incident had the potential to cause significant harm to a child.

Inspector David Snasdell, from Winsford neighbourhood policing team, said: “This is a particularly nasty incident, which had the potential to cause serious injury to the victim.

“What is even more disturbing is that this knife was left in an area which is used by small children to play and was left in a way designed to cause injury.

“If you have seen anyone in the area acting suspiciously or have any information which might assist police with their enquiries, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 353 of July 1 2014.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.